Summer swim team: Division A vs L team

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:lol Stonegate parents are so intense.

This is where many people get confused. Stonebridge is the division A team with intense parents. They are actually coached by a parent of a former swimmer who has graduated but he’s still all in trying to take down Rockville by recruiting a team of family former rays. Stonegate has very nice and friendly parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

It would be nice if they had some sort of requirement that you live within X miles of the pool or something. Rockville is the worst in terms of recruiting, but there are a couple other pools that do it too. It's pretty ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:lol Stonegate parents are so intense.

This is where many people get confused. Stonebridge is the division A team with intense parents. They are actually coached by a parent of a former swimmer who has graduated but he’s still all in trying to take down Rockville by recruiting a team of family former rays. Stonegate has very nice and friendly parents.

I know nothing about Stonebridge but you’re wrong about Stonegate. They are division A and have a large swim team. Unless you’re one of the faster swimmers and do club you’re not swimming in A meets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

Don't get confused on your pronounce. Rockville Rays coash is a She. Great coach with great team spirits.

Have you ever been to the B meet? Rockville Rays is more than just an A meet, check out their B meets. There are themes, customes, etc. It's fun.

Rockville is a county pool so it opens to just about everyone who doesn't have pool where they live. Not just Rockville residents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

It would be nice if they had some sort of requirement that you live within X miles of the pool or something. Rockville is the worst in terms of recruiting, but there are a couple other pools that do it too. It's pretty ridiculous.

summer swim is all about fun - anyone should be able to participate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:lol Stonegate parents are so intense.

This is where many people get confused. Stonebridge is the division A team with intense parents. They are actually coached by a parent of a former swimmer who has graduated but he’s still all in trying to take down Rockville by recruiting a team of family former rays. Stonegate has very nice and friendly parents.

Stonebride and Rockville may be competitive - but they are a healthy one. The coaches know each other and all the kids know each others.

Stonegate, on the other hand......

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

Don't get confused on your pronounce. Rockville Rays coash is a She. Great coach with great team spirits.

Have you ever been to the B meet? Rockville Rays is more than just an A meet, check out their B meets. There are themes, customes, etc. It's fun.

Rockville is a county pool so it opens to just about everyone who doesn't have pool where they live. Not just Rockville residents.

As long as I’ve been following the coach of Rockville has been an old man who wears a Chelsea soccer jersey to meets. Did he step down?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

Don't get confused on your pronounce. Rockville Rays coash is a She. Great coach with great team spirits.

Have you ever been to the B meet? Rockville Rays is more than just an A meet, check out their B meets. There are themes, customes, etc. It's fun.

Rockville is a county pool so it opens to just about everyone who doesn't have pool where they live. Not just Rockville residents.

As long as I’ve been following the coach of Rockville has been an old man who wears a Chelsea soccer jersey to meets. Did he step down?

That is rmsc coach. Rockville rays is summer league.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a head coach in both and now am a swim parent.

A kid who would be the high point swimmer in his/her age group in L Division may barely sniff an A meet in A or B Division. It’s a numbers game… the teams in the higher divisions by and large are stocked with year round swimmers. They are often bigger in numbers but not always. But even if small, always stocked with year-round swimmers. Just look at the Long Course and All Star Programs and you’ll see the same pools represented over and over (and don’t get me started on Rockville which shouldn’t be allowed to compete in MCSL as it’s basically just an RMSC short course summer site).

Also, upper division teams tend to draw kids from a wider geographic area as folks tend to join a pool for the swim team. Lower division teams tend to be much more narrowly populated by the specific neighborhood and schools where the pool is located.

Same amount of “fun” in both upper and lower divisions in terms of social activities, pasta nights, movie days, etc. But if really spirited competitive meets is part of the fun you’re looking for, you’ll find that more in the highest divisions because the meets feel (and are) much more high stakes and populated by kids who know each other from year-round swim. But the B meets are simply BRUTAL. Lower divisions may have sleepier Saturday morning meets (but folks still want the win). But you’ll be done by 8:00 on Wednesday. Which is not yet halftime for Wednesday meets for upper division teams.

Signed,
Former MCSL Head Coach who thinks it was the greatest job ever

yo.. former mcsl head coach of stonegate, still bitter

The coach that has been at stonegate through all of their rivalries with Rockville is still there and has been at stonegate forever. So literally can’t be a bitter stonegate former head coach. Also he’s a great coach that has built a great neighborhood team. More than Rockville can say.

You guys are so competitive while claiming it's all about fun. What rivalry? Looks like Rockville has been dominating.

It is great that you guys have access to a neighborhood pool. Rockville Rays is providing access to many swimmers who don't have access to local pool. This is unlike other county's pool like germantown, bethesda etc. I think it's the right thing to do. Summer swim should be accessible to everyone.

I guess the coach was thinking about equity and inclusion and opportunity when he was allowing his rmsc swimmers to swim for the rays free of cost. Definitely wasn’t about winning. (Rules have since changed to prevent this, but yes, stranger than fiction that this happened).

This ties into the college admissions thread. Essentially there is a coach or two at Rockville who strongly encourages all of their club swimmers to swim for the rays in order to field the best team. They often do this under the guise of “it looks good for college to be on a winning summer team” and the parent there buy it hook line and sinker as crazy as that seems. Do you think this is the “right thing to do”?

I have never once seen the Rays do a cheer at a meet. They don’t really practice because they all have rmsc practice. Outside of rmsc practice hours you won’t find a single kid hanging out at Rockville throughout the day like you will see at neighborhood pools around the county.

I’m confused how Rockville kids don’t have access to a neighborhood pool but Germantown and Bethesda do? If your argument is about $ I can understand to an extent but Germantown and Bethesda are similarly priced. Woodley Gardens is a lovely pool and community 2 minutes away from Rockville.

And price aside, kids on the Rays are traveling from all over the county to swim for them. Very few of the kids who live in Woodley/college gardens go to Rockville and swim for the rays. It’s an all star team of the best rmsc swimmers around. I remember when they set the boys open medley record a number of years back if the medley carpooled to the meet it would have taken 2 hours to pick up 4 kids!

It would be nice if they had some sort of requirement that you live within X miles of the pool or something. Rockville is the worst in terms of recruiting, but there are a couple other pools that do it too. It's pretty ridiculous.

summer swim is all about fun - anyone should be able to participate.

Everyone would still get to participate. There just wouldn’t be super teams that recruit from all over the county (and even outside the county in some cases).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:lol Stonegate parents are so intense.

This is where many people get confused. Stonebridge is the division A team with intense parents. They are actually coached by a parent of a former swimmer who has graduated but he’s still all in trying to take down Rockville by recruiting a team of family former rays. Stonegate has very nice and friendly parents.

Stonebride and Rockville may be competitive - but they are a healthy one. The coaches know each other and all the kids know each others.

Stonegate, on the other hand......

We are thinking of joining the Sharks. We don’t live in the immediate neighborhood and would need to pay for pool membership. Thoughts on the team?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:lol Stonegate parents are so intense.

This is where many people get confused. Stonebridge is the division A team with intense parents. They are actually coached by a parent of a former swimmer who has graduated but he’s still all in trying to take down Rockville by recruiting a team of family former rays. Stonegate has very nice and friendly parents.

Stonebride and Rockville may be competitive - but they are a healthy one. The coaches know each other and all the kids know each others.

Stonegate, on the other hand......

We are thinking of joining the Sharks. We don’t live in the immediate neighborhood and would need to pay for pool membership. Thoughts on the team?

They seem to get good team spirit. I think the coach has been there for a long time. Many Rmsc rockville swimmers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:lol Stonegate parents are so intense.

This is where many people get confused. Stonebridge is the division A team with intense parents. They are actually coached by a parent of a former swimmer who has graduated but he’s still all in trying to take down Rockville by recruiting a team of family former rays. Stonegate has very nice and friendly parents.

Stonebride and Rockville may be competitive - but they are a healthy one. The coaches know each other and all the kids know each others.

Stonegate, on the other hand......

We are thinking of joining the Sharks. We don’t live in the immediate neighborhood and would need to pay for pool membership. Thoughts on the team?

Win at all costs team. Recruit from all over to try and keep up with Rockville. Not a big spirit/cheering team. If you live in the vicinity, look at westleigh pool or Potomac woods. Both super fun teams with great spirited communities. Potomac Glen, Willows of Potomac and Country Glen are some other good options near by for a fun summer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We participated in our community swim team last year. It was our first time. The head coach was fired after the first week. The team did not seem well-run at all. They don’t have a lot of volunteers and the coaches were not very good either.

If we were to join a Division A team, would our experience be different?

Join whatever team is made up of your kids friends/schoolmates. It’s about having fun. I know the thread devolved a bit into a disagreement about several A teams, but there are a lot of top swimmers out there that swim for their home pool. We were at divisionals a couple years ago and my 8U swimmer got to watch a top 3 nationally ranked swimmer swim for their local pool in a low division. I know others have done the same in years past.

[Anonymous]

Totally agree. Just have fun. Some of the best swimmers in the DMV swim with their local/area/neighborhood teams. They don't worry about divisions--it should be about hanging out/team spirit. And it is so fun to see the range of age groups. Sure, A meets are great, Coaches LC, All-Star times/meet, winning your division are nice--but in the end, it is more about building memories.